MAX HELSING & THE 13TH CURSE, by Curtis Jobling

The story: Max Helsing is the last in the line of (Van) Helsings, famed monster hunters. He feels like he’s got things down pretty well…but what Max doesn’t realize is that a long-dormant curse is about to fall on the 13th descendant of Liesbeth Van Helsing on his/her 13th birthday. It’s the 13th Curse–and it just so happens that Max is the 13th descendant. Oh well. How bad could it be? Max is about to find out.

Mrs. Friend’s opinion: Max is a funny, snarky character, and there’s plenty of action here to lure in anyone who likes monsters with a side of butt-kicking. A sure hit with boys!